Ravens secured a 1-0 lead in their best of three series against the Eagles in the ‘One Guyana’ Basketball League Championship final, following a hard-fought 78-76 overtime victory in game one on Saturday evening at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.
Locked at 65-65 at the end of the final period, the experienced Ravens outfit prevailed in the overtime interval as they outscored their opponent 13-11 in front of a large gathering.
Prior to the aforesaid conclusion, the Eagles soared into the initial lead, as the first stanza ended 18-11. However, the Ravens reduced the deficit in the second stanza, scoring 18 points while restricting the Eagles to 16, as they entered the halftime interval at 29-34.
The Ravens then seized the lead in the pivotal third period, tallying an impressive 25 points while reducing the Eagles offensive threat to only 17 points to enter the final quarter in control at 54-51. Overtime was then required to settle the outcome, as the Eagles outscored the Ravens 14-11.
Ryan Stephney scored the most for the victor with 19 points, while Shamar Huntley was the next best scorer with 16 points. Dominic Vicente added 13 points. On the other side, Travis Belgrave led all scorers with 28 points, while Denzel Ross supported him with 18 points.
The winner of the tournament, which will resume on Saturday with two at the same venue, will pocket $1,000,000, while the loser will receive $500,000.
